The permits needed for exporting CITES protected plant or animal items out of New Zealand will depend on:

• the age of the item
• what appendix the species is protected under
• whether the country of destination has stricter requirements.

Is my plant or animal protected by CITES?

To find out if your plant or animal is listed under CITES you will need to search the Species+ database using the scientific name of the species. Make sure you use the correct spelling otherwise you may not get an accurate result.

A scientific name has two parts – the genus and the species. In a well-known example T-rex, Tyrannosaurus is the genus and rex is the species.

Species covered by CITES are listed in three appendices, based on the level of protection they need.

Search the Species Plus website.

Once you know your appendix listing

Appendix I species

For Appendix I species, obtained after their protection under CITES, you will need to apply for an import permit from the country of import first, before applying for a NZ issued export or re-export permit.

Appendix II or III species

For Appendix II or III species, obtained after their protection under CITES, you may only need to apply for a NZ issued export or re-export permit.

You should contact the overseas country of import to confirm their rules before submitting an application to us. Some countries have stricter CITES import requirements for certain items, or other domestic wildlife rules that may apply. Their contact details can be found at National CITES Authorities.

Heirlooms or very old items

Some old items can have fewer permitting requirements. If they were made or obtained before the date they were included in the CITES Appendices, they are considered pre-Convention.

Information submitted in an application for a pre-Convention item must be sufficient to prove the approximate date a person first possessed the item. If you are unsure what the requirements are for your items, email us at cites@doc.govt.nz.

Other rules that may apply

• If your item includes any part of a bird, reptile, amphibian, or bat you’ll need permission to export it under the Wildlife Act. Contact the Wildlife Act Team, email permissionshamilton@doc.govt.nz.
• If your item includes any part from a marine mammal such as dolphins, seals or whales, you may need a marine mammals permit.
• The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) makes sure items sent abroad also meet the destination country’s biosecurity and other requirements. Find out more at the MPI website.

After you have received your permit

When you have your permit(s), make sure that you meet any special conditions listed. Be aware of any additional pages or related documents that must be presented with your permit.

• Your permit may require endorsement by the New Zealand Customs Service on export. Instructions on how to do this will be enclosed with your permit. Non-endorsed permits may not be accepted by destination countries.
• The original permit should accompany your items. Do not try to use copies of permits as these will not be accepted.
• Your permit will need to be made available to the destination country’s border agency when your item arrives.

Apply for a permit

Apply for a CITES permit